Animation of Natura 2000 sites
Five Natura 2000 sites are present in the territory of the Park in part or in full: the Pouge pond, the upper Dronne valley, the Nizonne valley, the Argentine Plateau and the Sandonie valley.
These sites are recognized at the European level for their heritage riches and are therefore identified as remarkable places in the Park for the biodiversity issue. The Park is responsible for the animation of three of them.
Learn more about Natura 2000
The Haute Dronne hydrographic network
It exists in the fresh running waters of the Dronne one of the most beautiful populations of pearl mussels (Daisy margaritifera) of France : in fact, 15% of the national population of this species, once characteristic of our crystal-clear rivers but now extremely threatened, resides there. The richness of the upper Dronne valley is also expressed by the presence of numerous species (fish, butterflies, bats, etc.) and natural habitats (wetlands, moors, deciduous forests, etc.) recognized as being of community interest in Europe. Such heritage has allowed the Dronne and its main tributaries to benefit from inclusion in the Natura 2000 network.
The tools mobilized thanks to Natura 2000 offer local residents the possibility ofact on the improvement and conservation of the state of the river Dronne and its tributaries, through paid management and conservation contracts. These will benefit the iconic pearl mussels, as well as all species dependent on good water quality.
The Argentine Plateau
Located in the communes of La Rochebeaucourt-et-Argentine and Sainte-Croix-de-Mareuil, the Plateau d'Argentine is considered to be the richest set of calcareous grasslands in Dordogne on an ecological level. This richness results from the mosaic of vegetation that develops there: rocky slab plants, dry lawns, juniper heaths, heather, downy oak forest, etc. The site is home to a floral procession of around 350 plant species (24 orchid species), around fifteen of which are protected. Nearly 200 animal species, 24 of which are of community interest, complete this inventory (Greater Mouse-eared Bat, Wood Lark, Ocellated Lizard, etc.).
Reasoned restoration work (logging, rotary tilling) accompanied by lawn maintenance action throughout the return from extensive sheep grazing, through the signing of Natura 2000 contracts, constitute management measures which can limit the closure of the environment (colonization of woody plants) and thus ensure the maintenance of the biological richness of the site.
The Nizonne Valley
With 14 natural habitats and 21 species covered by the “Habitats-Fauna-Flora” directive, the heritage interest of the Nizonne Valley, also called Lizonne, is obvious. This valley is distinguished in particular by various aquatic habitats, wetland habitats and habitats on limestone hillsides, but also by the presence of the very discreet European mink (Mustela lutreola), one of the most endangered mammals in the world. It is therefore only natural that this valley has been included in the Natura 2000 network.
A range of tools are available to preserve this biodiversity: Agro-Environmental Measures for farmers, Natura 2000 contracts for forest owners, individuals or local authorities, as well as the site's Natura 2000 charter. By signing a contract, they commit to the effective implementation of these measures in return for financial compensation.
Your contacts at the Park
Cédric Devilléger
Natura 2000 Project Manager (Upper Dronne and Argentine Plateau)
c.devilleger@pnrpl.comFinancial partners
